What is Agriculture?
Agriculture encompasses crop and livestock production, aquaculture, fisheries, and forestry for food and non-food products.
Agriculture was the key development in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that enabled people to live in cities.
Top Agriculture Colleges In South Africa
Cedara College of Agriculture
It is among the leading agricultural learning institutions in the country, founded by Thomas Robertson Sim. It is based in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Some of the courses offered at Cedara agricultural college include: The Broiler Production Skills Program
Vegetable Production Skills Program
Advance animal Production Skills Program
Beef Production Organic Farming
Ekurhuleni Agriculture College
Ekurhuleni Agriculture College is among the best agricultural colleges in Gauteng. It offers a wide range of courses.
The main ones are: Animal Production
Plant Production
Agriculture Equipment Services & Repair
Mechanization
Horticulture
Soil Classification and Land Capability
Agri-business entrepreneurial
Mixed Farming Systems
Veld Management
Elsenburg Agricultural Training College
Elsenburg agricultural training institute is another top college to consider if you come from Western Cape. Some of the best courses offered in the institution are:
Diploma in Agriculture
Diploma in Extension
Plant production
Animal Production
Diploma in Cellar Technology
Wine Production
Equine Studies
Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute (FCAFTI)
List of agricultural colleges in South Africa. pexels.com, @Pixabay Source: UGC FCAFTI is one of the oldest higher learning institutions in South Africa. It has been in existence since 1930. Interestingly, it is known for being among the few colleges offering diplomas in Forestry in the country.
Other programs offered in the institution include:
Diploma in Animal Production
Diploma in Agribusiness
Advanced Diploma in Animal Production
Diploma in Crop Production
Diploma in Agricultural Engineering
Advanced Diploma in Horticulture
Diploma in Forestry
Advanced Diploma in Forestry Management
How much does it cost to study Agriculture in South Africa?
Although every learning institution will have its own fee structure and costing, studying Agriculture courses can range from R15 000 to R60 000 per annum.
What requirements are needed to study Agriculture in South Africa?
Admission Points Score (APS): 30 with mathematics or 30 with Mathematic Literacy.
English (home language or first additional language): Level 4.
Mathematics: Level 4 or Mathematical Literacy: Level 6.
Life Sciences/Biology/Agriculture: Level 4.
Physical Sciences: Level 4.
Is Agriculture in Demand in South Africa?
In South Africa, rapid population growth, coupled with increasing economic prosperity, continues to create rapid demand for the agricultural sector.
It was estimated that the population of South Africa will reach 82 million by 2035.